Travel doesn’t always have to be interstate, and there are plenty of Melbourne suburbs worth exploring. Hawthorn is one such suburb, and here’s why:
Getting there
Photo: Cloe Lim
Getting there is easy. Hawthorn is a short train ride from the city and all you need to do is to catch a train from Flinders St Station on the Lilydale line and alight at Glenferrie Station.
The Melbourne Tram Museum
You can start your day by getting yourself better acquainted with the city’s iconic mode of transport at the Melbourne Tram Museum. There, you’ll get a chance to trace the development and design of trams through the ages and also track its technological advancements to what it is today.
Admission is free (so you don’t have to break the bank!) and the best part is visitors are allowed to climb aboard and explore the trams.
It’s definitely worth a visit as you can gain a deeper appreciation for and understanding of Melbourne’s culture through an interactive experience.
Location: 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Opening hours: 11am-5pm, every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, except December
Website: www.trammuseum.org.au
The Salvos Store
Photo: Hannah Liu
Op-shops are a bit part of Melbourne’s shopping culture, and the Salvos Store is worth checking out for pre-loved vintage goods.
This second-hand store has a large collection of items (from books to silverware!) and a wide range of apparel. It’s great for students on a shoe-string budget.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to declutter, you can also donate clothes and other items (that are still in good condition) to the store.
Location: 183 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Opening hours: 9am-5pm everyday, closed on Sunday
Website: www.salvosstores.com.au
Bread and Jam for Frances
In need of a bit of a pick-me-up after all the exploring? We suggest stopping by Bread and Jam for Frances for some much needed rest.
Tucked away in a Readings bookstore, Bread and Jam for Frances is a quaint cafè that is based off a popular children’s book. Its interior is pleasant and warm, the menu is simple but delicious, with food that feeds both your body and your soul. We found the waitstaff very patient, understanding and efficient.
After a lovely meal, pop to Readings Bookstore next door and browse through the wide collection of books there.
Location: 1/701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Opening hours: 7:30am-4:30pm everyday, closed on Sunday
Website: www.breadandjamforfrances.com.au
Hawthorn Arts Centre (Melbourne Town Hall)
Photo: Cloe Lim
Finish your trip to Hawthorn with a bit of culture at the Hawthorn Arts Centre.
It’s a hub for communal arts projects and showcases various dance, film and cinema, music and visual arts exhibits throughout the year.
The Centre also provides many opportunities for the public to get their hands dirty and engage in art projects. It’s a great space for those wanting to find a place where they can exercise their creativity, or simply relieve some stress.
Location: 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Website: www.hawthornartscentre.com.au
Opening hours: 8:30am-5pm weekdays, closed on weekends
There’s probably more to Hawthorn than we have been able to share here, but we hope this list will help you get started exploring this suburb and many more!
This story was produced by Media and Communication students at Trinity College Foundation Studies as part of Meld’s community newsroom collaboration. Education institutions, student clubs/societies and community groups interested in being involved can get in touch with us via meld@meldmagazine.com.au.